Author Archive
Features
The Next War
Today’s budget battles will determine what U.S. troops carry into real battles for years to come.
Defense
For soldiers, coming home can be as hard as leaving
The strain on military families does not end when the troops return from Iraq or Afghanistan.
Defense
Observers debate role, authority of intelligence chief
Whatever Dennis Blair's personal problems as director of national intelligence, the role is inherently awkward.
Oversight
Army modernization project faces uncertain future
With a new administration and a worsening economy, there is unprecedented pressure to trim the complex and expensive Future Combat Systems.
Defense
Analysts debate feasibility of Obama's Iraq withdrawal plan
The president-elect laid out a 16-month exit plan during the campaign, but it comes with a lot of caveats.
Defense
Candidates have not tipped their hands on defense spending
The next administration will face hard choices in areas such as weapons purchases and Army modernization, but so far neither presidential hopeful has offered a clear agenda.
Defense
Army struggles toward goal of wi-fi infantry
The service wants soldiers to be able to share text, photos, video, electronic maps and other data while on the move.
Defense
Pilot program may overhaul treatment of veterans
Pentagon-VA program takes aim at a bureaucratic redundancy.
Defense
Former Clinton Navy secretary discusses post-Bush defense policy
The Pentagon needs "creative destruction" of some of its programs, says Richard Danzig.
Defense
McCain, Obama share some views on security
Both want more troops on the ground and both reject many of President Bush's policies; differences emerge on nuclear weapons, defense spending and the priority placed on the war in Afghanistan.
Defense
Veterans groups seek funding in advance
Groups want the VA to get its health care money on day one of each fiscal year, instead of dealing with routine delays in the budget process.
Defense
Marine Corps seeks return to its role as a naval force
After fighting alongside the Army in Iraq for five years, the Corps now needs new -- and expensive -- equipment.
News
Wear and tear adds up on military aircraft
New F-22 and F-35 fighter aircraft are coming onstream, but the Air Force and Navy will be flying many 20-to-50-year-old planes for the foreseeable future.
Defense
On the sea and in the air, military bills come due
Air Force planes and Navy ships are reaching the end of their work lives, but current conflicts pinch new purchases.
Defense
As military begins to draw down, National Guard ramps up
Overall force levels in Iraq returning to pre-surge levels, but Guard units are mobilizing in large numbers.
Defense
Thin line separates aggressive fighting from war crimes
The somewhat ambiguous rules of warfare make the snap judgments that combat requires even more difficult.
Defense
Air Force’s commitment to new bomber a matter of debate
The service has said it will fly upgraded version by 2018, but analysts aren’t sure how serious the effort is.
Defense
Boeing stands to make a comeback at Air Force
Company has a decent chance of winning tanker and cargo plane contracts, despite procurement scandal several years ago.
Defense
New style of war key to success in Iraq
Changes in how Humvees are used, rather than in the vehicles themselves, may help reduce death rates.
Defense
Iraq burden shifts from reserves to regular active duty troops
The Guard and Reserves may have a bigger role in Iraq in 2008, leaving this year as one to regroup.
